Thu Sep 19 03:47:00 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand and Australia to Discuss Trade Barriers and International Cooperation at Annual Meeting

Rotorua, New Zealand – New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay will meet with his Australian counterpart, Don Farrell, this weekend in Rotorua for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting will focus on strengthening the already robust trade relationship between the two countries, which currently generates $32 billion annually.

“The CER is our most comprehensive agreement, covering trade, labor mobility, harmonization of standards, and political cooperation,” said McClay in a statement. “Minister Farrell and I will be discussing ways to make it easier for New Zealand and Australian businesses to trade, specifically by eliminating non-tariff barriers across the Tasman.”

Beyond bilateral trade issues, the Ministers will also discuss a range of international matters including the World Trade Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the EU Deforestation Regulations. The focus will be on promoting sustainable supply chains and a rules-based trading system to foster regional growth and stability.

The meeting will be facilitated by the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, which will bring together key businesses with interests in the trans-Tasman market, including Spark, Infratil, Port of Auckland, Indevin, and Beca.

“As exporting nations, New Zealand and Australia share a strong commitment to the rules-based trading system,” McClay added. “This meeting provides a valuable platform to discuss how we can work together to overcome challenges and continue fostering a dynamic and prosperous relationship.”

Read More